My Little Soccer Players

We played soccer this fall for the first time. Bud has been begging to play ever since he played baseball. Beaner decided to do dance instead so I don't have any pictures of her, but she did say she wants to play soccer next year. I think she had just as much fun going to all the practices and games and Big D and I did. She made a lot of new friends and was never lonely or bored.



Bud was in Heaven. He plays soccer with his friends all the time at school so it was pretty cool to play against some of them at games. Bud was so funny to watch run down the field. I used to say he danced when he ran when he was younger. It made me sad to think he'd grow out of that. Well, he didn't. He was just so happy to be playing he'd dance as he ran. Toward the end of the season he got pretty good, not at dancing but at soccer. I would say he was one of the top players on his team.



Bug started the season off on a high. She scored a goal her very first game. She also has been begging to play soccer. I don't think this is the last time we sign them up, it's a good thing there is Spring and Fall soccer seasons. Bugs team did great, but they got cocky and lost a couple. I think it was the best thing that could have happened to them because it helped them to focus back on the game. She did great the hole season and loved every minute.



Bear was very entertaining to watch. All these five year olds and none of them really know what they're doing. Sometimes they would make a goal in the opposing teams goal, but we still celebrated. Sometimes they would forget which side of the field they were suppose to be defending, but we still celebrated. Sometimes they would get tired and sit down in the middle of a game, and we yell for them to get up. Sometimes they would get in water fights on the side lines, and we all laughed.

It was a great season, the weather stayed beautiful for us, and I can't wait to watch them play again in the spring.

Stormy Chicago

Before we left Pittsburgh I told Big D that we should intentionally have a day layover next time we are going through Chicago so we can go and explore. We are always flying through but we've never been able to get out of O'Hare.



I think I spoke too soon. Coming in to Chicago we had to circle the city for about thirty minutes waiting for a storm to break. These are the storm clouds from above.



They really don't look bad from this angle but I guess under them there was torrential rains mixed with a few tornado warnings. The news was saying this is the worst flooding they've seen in 137 years, according to CNN. They had streets washed out and flooding up to peoples waists.

After circling in the air for as long as we could we finally got diverted to Fort Wayne, Indiana (I've never been there either). It was a small airport that had actually just closed and every one had gone home. They had to open it back up, but of course there was no food.

Big D and I cuddled on the floor and watched a movie until our flight was called out, which was about an hour. The flight back to Chicago was amazing for me, Big D slept the whole time so I can't say much for him. There were lightning storms going on out both sides of the plane. Huge lightning that would light up the entire sky. It was like the clouds parted just for our plane. We still had to circle a bit before we could land but we finally got on the ground and then the circling on the tarmac began. We were stuck in the plane for forty-five minutes waiting for a terminal. Some of the passengers were getting pretty frustrated because they missed their connections, we all missed them.

They were setting up cots down K wing for stranded passengers but Big D and I decided to get a hotel so we could get better sleep. The ride to the hotel was our first experience with a taxi and our driver was authentic. Watching TV and the way they portray taxi drivers, I thought it was a bit of an exaggeration. Nope. This guy was a crazy driver and I could barely understand his broken English.

I asked our driver what he did for fun in Chicago and he said he goes downtown and gets drunk and some how that led into him saying he never goes to the South side because its bad really bad. Three cops had been shot just in the past month. Gang bangers have been walking up to cops and shooting them point blank.

I thought I was going to start crying right there. I no longer had a desire to explore Chicago, I just wanted to go home.

And I don't know how this worked out but it cost us $50 to get to our hotel and only $27 to get back to the airport the next morning. Hmmm, I thinketh we got screwed.

After a wonderful five hours of sleep, we showed up at the airport only to have our flight get moved back by two hours. I was starting to get ansi, I just wanted to get home to my babies. Once we were in the air I was a lot better, and so was Big D because he was out cold before we ever even left the ground. How does he do that?

There is nothing better than seeing your children after a week away. They actually liked me for a few minutes, especially when they find out I bought them some toys from the Amish community I visited.

I found out that Bug got bucked off a horse and landed on her head. The hole side of her face was scratched up and bruised. Grandma Honey didn't want her to tell me what happened because she didn't want me to freak out. So she calmed me down by telling me that Bug did every thing she was suppose to, when she landed on the ground she jumped up and ran as far away as she could as not to be trampled. I don't know if this makes me feel better, but seeing Bug in one piece, that makes me feel better. And Grandma made her get back on the horse right after she got bucked off so she wouldn't develop a fear of horses, thank goodness. What a good Grandma! I do think it was a good thing not to tell me some thing like that over the phone.

The kids had to tell me how Papa Guy shot a coyote. I'm pretty sure that made Bud feel better since he's always scared of coyotes at the ranch. Of course, the kids had to go and see the dead body. They told me how there were already bugs all over it and his eye was missing. Papa didn't want them messing with the body so he tried to get them off the hill but they wouldn't listen so finally he yelled that the coyote's brother was right behind them. They were off that hill in two seconds.

Grandma bought the kids a new swimming pool that they practically lived in the whole week they were there. Ahh my little water babies. They had a good time and they were sufficiently spoiled. Thank you very much Grandma and Papa. I could not have enjoyed my trip with Big D without you.

Baseball Season

The kids played baseball this season. Beaner wasn't really excited about playing but she was a good sport about it when she found out her BFF was going to be on her team.



She never whined about going to games. She just didn't have her heart in it. I don't blame her, I wasn't in to sports at her age either.



She was a little scared of the ball but she did get a few hits and even made it around all the bases a couple times.



Now Bud was another story. I don't know if it's just a boy thing but he was so excited to play baseball he'd stand in the outfield dancing as he'd wait for the ball to come to him.



He took direction very well. Every time his coach or I yelled at him to try some thing he did it and he was great.



I'm not going to lie to you, I did have to yell at him to stand up a couple times but I think that comes with the age.



Bear was so excited to play baseball. He was so patient watching his siblings participate in sports and all sorts of fun stuff that he's been too young for. This being his first year playing sports he was super excited to learn what to do.



He was a little distracted by the female players on the other team, the little flirt. Every time he'd get on base he'd start chatting up the other team players. I'd have to yell at him to run so his teammate could take their rightful place on base.



His coach was really good about giving the kids a turn at trying to catch the ball. The hard part was teaching the kids what to do with the ball once they got it.



Of course, Bug had to tell me at every game how unfair it was that she's the one who really wanted to play baseball and she's the only one who didn't get to play. In my defense I really tried, her age group started their season a whole month earlier than the others. So, Bug had to come up with other ways to entertain herself. I think she did a pretty good job.

Primary Activity

We took all the kids, that were interested, to the temple for a tour and a picnic. A lot of people thought we were crazy for wanting to take that many youngens to the temple grounds. They all did fabulous!



Bug standing in front of the Baptism for the Dead entrance which is going to be remodeled starting next month.



Bear and Bud standing next to one of the oldest trees. It is a Linden tree and it will probably be ripped out in the near future.



Beaner is standing in an arch that they use to take bridal shots.



Bear is standing in front of the temple holding his card he received from the visitors center after we watched movies about sharing.



Beaner enjoying being center of attention. She's going to make a b-e-a-utiful bride one day.



Bug hopefully practicing for when she comes back to get her bridal shots in front of the temple, but not for at least another ten years.



Bud showing off his card as well. I don't know why they felt like they needed to hold those up, maybe they were just proud of their trip.

A Day of Haircuts

The Primary Presidency took all the kids from Primary to the temple for an activity. We had a nice tour of the grounds where they showed us plants that aren't grown anywhere else in Idaho Falls (just because they won't grow) Flowers that are going to be ripped up next month to make a reflecting pool, and the entrance people usually use for Baptisms of the dead which too is being remodeled next month.

We watched some movies in the visitors center, learned about nebulas (places where stars are born), and how tiny our planet really is in the grand scheme of the universe and all the Lord's glory.

On our way home Bud got ahold of some putty which ended up in his hair, so guess what we got to do when we got home?



We get to cut hair. Since I had to cut Bud's I figured I'd torture Bear as well. If you look close you can see the putty in Bud's bangs.



This is how he looked after I just removed the putty. I asked him if he wanted me to leave his hair like this, he said probably not.



I usually shave both boys head, and Big D's too, but I wanted to leave it a little longer on top with Bear, Bud didn't have that choice anymore. I think they turned out pretty cute. It will be a nice summer haircut, at least for two weeks until we have to do it again.



The girls and I decided we wanted nice summer dos too. We looked at a bunch of different hairstyles on the internet and which haircut looks best to match the shape of our faces. Each girl picked the cut they wanted and we were off to the barber.



Beaner chose a cut pixie haircut. She has so much trouble with her brushing her hair, it's so thick and gets rats nests so easy. She gets mad every time I make her brush her hair ten times before it looks good. I think this is the best choice for her, I'm glad she decided on this one.

Bug and I actually chose the same do, a layered bob. I think it makes her look so much older, which I tell her every day she really must stop doing. This will be nice because she wanted it off her neck, which it is, but it isn't too short as to accentuate her round face and make it look rounder (if that is even a word).

Both girls have already had a lot of compliments and I can't quit running my fingers through Beaner's hair, because I can.

Now the only one who needs a haircut is Big D, where's my razor?

Bug's Park Project

At the first of the school year Bug's class came out to this park and planted wildflower seeds. We came back to check on them and to plant some bushes. We weren't able to see any of our wildflowers growing yet but it's still early.

The kids had a good time taking turns with the shovel and throwing dirt down each others shirts. The red headed boy, Connor, was hilarious but of course all the girls think he's annoying. They will learn to appreciate that more when they get older.



The little girl in the middle sitting by Connor, holy cow she was annoying. She was one of those girls that keeps talking and following you around still talking even though no one is listening. I think she had a huge crush on Connor, she would not leave the poor boy alone. The kids were all separated into groups and he group was clear on the other side of the park but yet here she is.

It was fun, as a mom, to be able to see how Bug interacted with her classmates and in a social setting. She is quite good at making others feel included and not taking over the situation, she must get that from her father.



This isn't one of those parks that gets mowed I guess. It's a new park that is gearing more toward conservation and natural habitats. They want plants that are indigenous to our area planted all over. I had to take the boys with me and they loved playing in the grass.



They thought it was so funny that they could lay down an no one could see them.



Hey, where did they go?

My Babies are Growing Up

I just sent my two girls off to Florida for a week with their grandparents. I am excited for them but stressed for me. I've never had my kids that far away from me. The mother in me thinks of all the things that can go wrong as I'm stuck on the other side of the country.

Big D gave each of us a Father's Blessing on Sunday and that has really helped. I've actually been more excited for them. This is a once in a life time opportunity and I'm happy they get to experience it. I'm extremely grateful that Papa Guy and Grandma Honey invited them to go. I know they are in good hands.

I tried to get the girls set up for what ever they may need. I bought them snacks and activities for the plane ride. I even asked some people to write the girls letters about a vacation they had or something special about the girls. I wanted them to have something to read if they got scared or homesick, which I bet they will be having way too much fun to have that as a problem.

Thank you to everyone who helped me with that!!!

I also wrote each of the girls a bedtime story with them as the hero saving the day. I think they turned out pretty cool. I'm excited to hear what they think of them. I put the stories and letter plus some other surprises in the carry on bag and told them they couldn't peek until they were on the plane.

Big D said I went a little over board, I say it's just the mother in me wanting to cram a weeks worth of love in a tiny backpack.

I hope they have fun and I look forward to hearing from them. Grandma Honey and Papa Guy are pretty good about having the girls call me to check in. I think they just know that I freak out a lot.

I worry that I'm a bit too over protective and I'm smothering them. I guess I'll never know until down the road when I get a phone call from their therapist inviting me to a session.

Family Haircut Day

Bug decided she wanted to donate her hair. That led to everyone else wanting to lighten their load as well. Although none of us had long enough hair to donate.



She looks older. I don't think I should let her cut her hair so cute anymore. She's getting too old.



Beaner hasn't had much patients with her hair since the first time she donated it. I keep asking her if she'd like to wait and donate her hair, but her hair gets to a certain point and she wants it cut off. I don't blame her I'm the same way.



How in the world did my little girls grow up so fast? Beaner was a bit worried that people wouldn't be able to tell she got a hair cut because she only chopped a couple inches. She still looks adorable no matter who can tell how much she cut off.



I decided I was bored with my hair so long. I'm too old to have such long hair. I wanted to donate it but my hair wasn't quite long enough. I feel bad, I should have waited a couple more months and then chop it off.



Big D didn't want to be left out so he shaved the boys and himself. They all look adorable. It's nice that the boys have a simple haircut, it saves us money for one thing. It's a good summer haircut.

Piano Recital

Wrapping things up for the end of the school year the girls had their piano recital. They both did a great job playing their songs and wowing us with their new talents.



Auntie Rae was impressed with Beaner, she was the first out of all her students to memorized her recital song. It made her feel pretty special having Auntie Rae tell people how proud she was.



The girls love to play the piano but just like Auntie Rae, I'm sure they are excited for the summer break. I just hope the girls don't forget all they have learned this year. I think next year Bud will start with piano lessons.

Music Festival

Our kids' school has a school wide Music Festival, which is just a fancy way of saying choir concert. It is mandatory for all students and last year when we went it was three hours long. It's one thing to listen to your own child sing but it's another having to stay and listen an entire school take turns. Oh, and my kids' school goes up to the eighth grade.



The principal must have received tons of complaints after last years performance because this year it was only about an hour and a halfish. It was still too long for Bear. We had to try and entertain him so the parents around us didn't freak out on us. He enjoyed taking pictures with Big D's phone for awhile until he got it taken away because he kept pushing buttons he wasn't suppose to.




After the kids were done singing on stage they'd walk by us on their way back to their seats. Bear was so bored that he had to make sure and butt in when it was time to take Bud's picture. I guess he was entertaining us as much as he was himself.



Beaner is learning about potatoes this year so her song was about potatoes. That is one thing that is pretty cool about the kids' school, they make up their own songs and music to go along with it. Here is Beaner as a potato. Doesn't she look delectable? I especially love the eyes on the potatoes, very creative.

"Biggest Loser" Night at Our House

We love love love watching the "Biggest Loser" show on TV.



If nothing else I love watching the kids try and out do each other.



They are pretty good at motivating their mother too. I ended up walking on the treadmill after they were all done playing on it.



I think these guys really want to go to Disneyland, what do you think?



I guess you could say I'm running my own "sweat shop".